Feb 12, 2024 | 7:45 AM
State News
Milwaukee firefighters executed a daring rescue operation, saving three individuals from a blazing house in the city’s Riverwest neighborhood.
Responding to the emergency at a residence near North Humboldt and East Burleigh, firefighters utilized a ladder to reach the trapped occupants on the second floor.
While the fire originated in the basement, the cause remains under investigation by authorities.
READ MORE FROM OUR 2026 WEDDING FEATURE HERE
We met in Hammond, Louisiana. [Brooke was born and raised in Hammond, while Jenn arrived in 2010 from Mexico.] We spent our preteen and teenage years in the same schools but never crossed paths until college. It’s as if the universe patiently waited for the perfect moment. That moment came when we both worked at a local Mexican restaurant. We became instant friends and were inseparable.
Celebrate the Milwaukee leaders who foster connection, create opportunity and strengthen our community!
We were both in on-and-off relationships with other people, but our growing attraction eventually ended those chapters and began a new one together. In a small conservative town, that wasn’t always easy.
We began dating in March of 2018, adopted a dog and moved in together that summer. The LGBTQ+ community was tolerated in Hammond, but not widely accepted, so we kept our relationship private for nearly two years. When we finally came out as a couple, some people embraced us wholeheartedly, while others met us with the resistance we had feared. That experience strengthened our resolve to find a community where we could live authentically, surrounded by acceptance and love.
Brooke’s work as a nurse allowed her to travel, helping hospitals in need during the COVID pandemic. When the last contract ended, we didn’t have a next stop in mind – so we took a leap and accepted the highest-paying offer. That’s how we ended up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin … in January.
The city – and its people – won us over. One weekend, we wandered into a local brunch spot and the bartender invited us to an event their wife was hosting at a local bookstore, the launch of a zine celebrating queer professionals. That night, surrounded by kind and creative people, we felt something click. Milwaukee was where we were meant to be.
This past March, we celebrated seven years together, and in August, we joyfully exercised our right to marriage.
The Magic Moment
Jenn: I knew Brooke was the one the moment she saw the person I could be and loved me enough to push me to become her.
Brooke: I knew Jenn was the one when I didn’t want to be anywhere without her. Twenty-four hours was too long away. Her presence made every situation better and more exciting. I looked for her in every room.
MILWAUKEE – A Milwaukee man accused of stabbing a woman more than 20 times appeared in court Wednesday, where he asked to apologize to the victim’s family.
What we know:
Prosecutors say 39-year-old Mile Dukic killed 44-year-old Amanda Varisco last Thursday inside her home near 36th and National. Investigators said the two lived together and had been in a relationship.
Cuffed to a hospital bed, Dukic appeared by video during the hearing.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android
“Is the family of the person who is deceased, who I had relations with, there? If they’re there, I want to say I apologize,” said Dukic, who has been charged with homicide.
Court records show the pair argued before Varisco tried to leave. Prosecutors said Dukic struck her several times and stabbed her repeatedly.
“He, then, sent a text message to her daughter saying, ‘I killed your mom,’” said Gregg Herman, a prosecutor.
The court commissioner set Dukic’s bail at $500,000 cash.
Local perspective:
Advocates tracking domestic violence cases say the killing is part of a troubling pattern in Milwaukee County.
“Extremely concerning that we’ve had so many,” said Carmen Pitre, CEO of the Sojourner Family Peace Center.
Petri said at this point last year, advocates had recorded no domestic violence homicides.
“We started off in a much more violent way this year,” Petri said.
Pitre said she could not pinpoint why the numbers are higher but noted that stress can intensify volatile situations. She added that gaps in housing, food and other basic needs may force people to remain in dangerous environments.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
“Look for someone in your life that feels safe,” Petri said. “We need to invest in healing for everybody, for those that are hurting others and those who are being hurt.”
Petri said community intervention is critical before violence escalates and pointed to several local resources available to those seeking help.
What you can do:
For domestic violence and sexual assault resources, visit the City of Milwaukee’s Community Wellness and Safety page.
What’s next:
Dukic is scheduled to return to court next week.
The Source: The information in this post was collected and produced by FOX6 News.
By opening the rebuilt and upgraded Herro-Franke Studio Theater, the Milwaukee Repertory Theater has completed the final major piece of its $80.1 million physical and technological makeover.
The Rep has released first-look photos of the flexible space, seating up to 220 people depending on configuration, where it performs some of its most adventurous shows. It is christening the Herro-Franke with a new production of Brookfield Central High School grad Ayad Akhtar’s “McNeal,” a provocative drama about AI and plagiarism. Akhtar’s script will test the theater’s technological mettle immediately, as it calls for extensive visual projections and deep-fake videos.
To audiences, the most immediate and obvious change may be the Greg & Rhonda Oberland Studio Theater Lobby that leads into the Herro-Frank audience space. The old studio theater had a bare-bones lobby that could only be described as functional, with a temporary bar. The new theater lobby has a permanent bar and more comfortable seating for patrons waiting to see a show.
More information: “McNeal” runs through March 22 at the Herro-Franke Studio Theater, 108 E. Wells St. Visit milwaukeerep.com or call (414) 224-9490.
White House says murder rate plummeted to lowest level since 1900 under Trump administration
Geneva’s Kiera Howell, 16, auditions for ‘American Idol’ season 24
Trump unveils new rendering of sprawling White House ballroom project
Try This Quiz on Mysteries Set in American Small Towns
Exclusive | Super Bowl 2026: Guide to the hottest events, concerts and parties happening in San Francisco
Ohio town launching treasure hunt for $10K worth of gold, jewelry
Video: We Tested Shark’s Viral Facial Device
Video: Is Ikea Cookware As Good As All-Clad?
